CD Review – TAUK – Sir Nebula

Sir Nebula, the third studio album from Oyster Bay’s TAUK, is an invigorating journey through all the genres that have put them on the map. Per usual, the band offers a sonic travelogue of everything from Jazz Fusion to Progressive Rock. However, they have also added a newfound sense of space and room to improv. The signature tension- release build ups are still as formidable as ever yet are now accompanied by an overwhelming sense of atmosphere.

Once again working with producer, Robert Carranza (Mars Volta, Jack Johnson), this is where the band really succeeds. They have managed to create atmosphere without meandering off into ambient haze. Without sacrificing openness or room to explore, they have maintained a solid sense of melody and precise songwriting. They build from the floor up. The rhythm section, Bassist Charlie Dolan and Drummer Isaac Teel, provide a solid, constant foundation for every track. “Resolve” exemplifies this most. Opening with a sturdy bass line that allows the rest of the band to play into subtle other directions, this track is the band at its Jazziest, finest.

Guitarist Matt Jalbert and Keyboardist A.C Carter make the most of this freedom. They spend the entire album trading lead responsibilities and feeding off the groove provided for them to feed. They do so like savage wolves, never missing a pocket or moment to shine. They fill the air with everything from Prog-Rock keyboard flourishes to modern fusion guitar breeziness. Various influences can be heard throughout. Jalbert’s playing runs the gamut from fusion great Pat Metheny to metal man Tom Morello, while Carter sounds like a hybrid animal of everyone from Keith Jarrett to Rick Wakeman.

The album’s centerpiece is the recent, live staple “Rainwalk.” Here, the band manage to cram multiple melodies, time changes, and moods into one surprisingly precise exhibition of sheer force. Not an easy feat. Other songs like “Informant,” are more direct in their approach yet still display the same formula. Their ability to search for new terrain, whilst preserving what has currently worked is masterful.

This is cerebral, intellectual music. The reward is in the challenge. It’s the perfect soundtrack for staring out the window on a rainy, Sunday morning. TAUK have managed to embrace atmosphere and add moodiness without losing any of their core sound. Sir Nebula is HIGHLY recommended. A natural step forward.

CD Review – TAUK – Sir Nebula
Reviewed by Colin Seymour on
Nov 24.
Sir Nebula, the third studio album from Oyster Bay's TAUK, is an invigorating journey through all the genres that have put them on the map. Per usual, the bandSir Nebula, the third studio album from Oyster Bay's TAUK, is an invigorating journey through all the genres that have put them on the map. Per usual, the band
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